The countdown has officially begun to what promises to be a historic edition of the Africa Scrabble Championship, as preparations intensify for the 16th ASC, scheduled for October 21–25, 2026 in Monrovia, Liberia.
Since Liberia was officially confirmed as host, the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NASAL) have been working behind the scenes to deliver a tournament that will raise the bar for Scrabble on the continent.
Early indicators suggest the Monrovia edition will be the most ambitious in the championship’s 32-year history.
At the heart of the excitement is a record-breaking tournament budget, the largest ever proposed for an Africa Scrabble Championship.
The scale of investment has earned NASAL widespread commendation from African federations and players alike, signalling a strong commitment to professionalism, player welfare and competitive excellence.
The prize structure alone sets Monrovia 2026 apart.
The championship will offer a record payout to the eventual winner, the highest-ever rewards for the top five finishers, and, in a historic first, cash prizes for the top 20 players.
To further enhance prestige, the top three will also be presented with distinctive, specially crafted trophies.
Participation will also be expanded. Each country is allowed to register up to 15 players, with an additional five players via the Diaspora route, enabling African players based abroad to compete through their national associations.
This brings the maximum team size per country to 20 players, broadening the competitive field and strengthening continental representation.
In a player-friendly move, registration fees for quota players have been retained at 2022 levels, despite prize money seeing increases of up to 100 percent in most categories.
With the venue confirmed as the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex on Tubman Boulevard, and planning well advanced on logistics, travel and accommodation, all signs point to Monrovia 2026 delivering a championship that will not only crown Africa’s best Scrabble player, but also mark a defining moment in the sport’s growth across the continent.
